The Piano Proficiency Exam Review Book

Written with busy music majors in mind, The Piano Proficiency Exam Review Book provides an easy-to-understand guide to the Piano Proficiency Exam. In eight review sections, authors and Peabody Institute alumni Lucy Mauro and Scott Beard provide an invaluable cache of tips, exercises, and practice exams. The sections address all aspects of piano performance for the non-piano music major: seating, arm, and hand positions; scales and arpeggios; cadences; vocal warmups; harmonization/transposition; score reading; and solo literature. While studying the book, students can expect to ask themselves, "Am I at the proper distance from the piano?" and, "Are my wrists level with the white keys?" among other gentle reminders that encourage mindfulness and positivity at the piano bench. Whether adapted for a school's exam requirements, private lessons, music therapy sessions, or general music classes, lessons and exercises in The Piano Proficiency Exam Review Book will make time spent at the piano an enjoyable experience.

Pianist Lucy Mauro is Associate Professor at West Virginia University. Her critically acclaimed recordings for Delos have received a 2018 ICMA nomination, a 2017 GRAMMY nomination, a 2013 NAXOS Critics' Choice, and a 2011 Recording of the Year by MusicWeb International. Scott Beard, pianist and Provost at Shepherd University, was named 2006 West Virginia Music Teacher of the Year. His students have won prizes in regional, national and international competitions. Concerts as a soloist, and chamber musician have taken him throughout the US, Europe and South America.